Tom Rush to perform at the Narrows

Thursday

Sep 10, 2009 at 12:01 AMSep 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM

It's a move that most people in the music industry wouldn't make. But Tom Rush isn't your average performer. Before "What I Know" was released this year, it had been more than 30 years since Rush produced a full-length studio album. And although that may sound like a perilous career route, it hasn't been a problem — the famed singer/songwriter has only seen his fan base grow during those decades.

SEAN McCARTHY

It's a move that most people in the music industry wouldn't make.

But Tom Rush isn't your average performer.

Before "What I Know" was released this year, it had been more than 30 years since Rush produced a full-length studio album. And although that may sound like a perilous career route, it hasn't been a problem — the famed singer/songwriter has only seen his fan base grow during those decades.

The man who wrote such classics as "Rockport Sunday" and "No Regrets" during his nearly 50-year career tours regularly and is even a viral sensation on YouTube.

His live rendition of the wry "The Remember Song," from 2003's "Trolling for Owls," has amassed nearly 4 million hits.

Rush will play more than 30 shows during the next five months, including a stop at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River this Saturday night.

The album contains 15 tracks, five of which were penned by Rush. The others are mostly reinterpretations of traditional selections. Some of the songs have been in the Rush catalog for as many as five to eight years and have occasionally made their way into his live performances, treats for the more studied fans.

"This album is a step forward, but it's congruent with the stuff on previous recordings," Rush says. "I'm not wearing spandex and talking about shooting cops. This album was about finding 15 songs that sounded good together and could be coaxed into co-existing on an album. I had a lot of fun making this record — they're songs that I love performing. I'm clearly having a good time with this record."

And he also has a good time on stage.

"The reason that Tom Rush has been able to exist and grow as a performer is that he's magical in concert," says David Palmater, a disc jockey for WUMB-FM, a Boston radio station that broadcasts folk music exclusively.

"He's able to connect with an audience with his songs and stories. His new stuff holds well thanks to his phenomenal taste and being able to stay contemporary by working with younger artists instead of stagnating."

Rush is credited with helping to launch the careers of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne.

"This latest album is putting Tom Rush back on the charts. He's really come back strong," says John Laurenti, music director for WUMB. "His audience is falling right back in love with him."

Art Tebbetts is a local folk performer whose repertoire includes Rush material.

"Tom Rush is an amazing performer and he's been successful at it for a long time," Tebbetts says. "His shows are comfortable, almost informal. He plays all the old faves along with the new songs determined to become old faves.

"His songs still work for me after 40 years."

The recording of "What I Know" was done in 10 days in Nashville with longtime pal Jim Rooney producing.

"We got to use some great new technology with the help of some people who are extraordinary at what they're doing," Rush says.

Back on the road again, the New Hampshire native pledges to satisfy anyone who attends his shows by playing the songs that have helped build his long and influential career.

"Those songs are the scratch you need to itch," he says. "A lot of people come to hear those songs and I'm not going to disappoint them."

Saturday's show will have Rush accompanied by New Yorker Joe Mennonna, who plays piano and saxophone and sings harmonies. The two have worked together for more than a decade.

Rush has played publicly for more than 48 years, beginning with performances in Cambridge clubs and coffeehouses when he was a Harvard student in the early 1960s.

He says it won't be another 35 years before his next studio record, but he doesn't think you should wait until you're 60-something before you test the waters with songs about your own life lessons.

"Perform live as much as possible and find out what works and what doesn't," he advises performers.

"When you're playing in your basement, you may think you're terrific, but people will let you know real fast if you're any good or not."